When non-profits work together they can accomplish a lot
Of special note over the past few years has been the leadership role of the Strawbridge Art League (SAL). SAL’s home is the Henegar Center for the Arts in downtown Melbourne, across from the Melbourne Post Office.
The Art League’s original purpose (and still a working dream) is to bring to Brevard the “Torpedo Factory” concept. This means a collection of working artists, studios and galleries in one location as seen in the likes of Alexandria, Virginia. SAL would like to see this concept in the third floor of the as yet unfinished building that is part of the Henegar complex.
Art Benefits All Non-Profits
Over the past five years, however, the Art League has broadened its interest and impact on the Space Coast with many out-reach programs.
These include an exhibit named “Africa Africa Africa” which publicized the Brevard Zoo’s African exhibits and toured the county; an exhibit named “Florida Florida Florida,” which involved not only an exhibit of fine art, but also a book of literature juried from three Space Coast non-profit writers groups which have toured extensively and currently is on view at Orlando City Hall; and the annual Halloween Party (now in its ninth season), a fund-raiser for the Brevard Museum of Art & Science on Highland Avenue in the old Eau Gallie area of Melbourne.
Member artists frequently donate work to various auctions and participate in fund-raisers for numerous charities throughout the community. Often the medical community comes to SAL for assistance, as do other organizations like the Brevard Symphony Orchestra.
As the resident visual arts organization at Henegar Center for the Arts, SAL’s various programs such as monthly artists demonstrations and revolving exhibits add to what the Henegar Center has to offer the community at large. Henegar is biased by nature to the performing arts with a theater and ballet centered there. The Art League fills out the picture and fleshes out the visuals to make it truly a multi-faceted art center.
For more information on the Strawbridge Art League call (321) 952-3070, or have a look at https://www.strawbridgeart.org/